Pretty blue and white rouen duck eggs.
I have chickens that lay eggs. We’ve been eating and selling our eggs for many years now. But let me tell you about another egg that is overlooked, and underrated. The duck egg. Yes, you can eat duck eggs (I often get asked that) and they are not just for baking, though they do well in baked goods because they retain moisture better than chicken eggs. They are delicious and nutritious on their own. They have the same nutritional value as chicken eggs but because they are larger, they have more of the good things. Duck eggs are high in vitamin B12, and vitamin A, an excellent source of protein, riboflavin, iron and phosphorus, they provide us with thiamine, niacin, folate, zinc and calcium.
Scrambled duck eggs for breakfast
The flavour is richer and creamer than a chicken egg. Though you may not notice this, depending on how you cook them. To me they are richer tasting when scrambled as opposed to being cooked sunny side up. The yolks are larger and the shells thicker. Sometimes I have a problem with my chickens eating their eggs, but as far as I’m aware, I have not lost a single duck egg to them eating it because the shells are far too hard for them to crack.
I was on the fence a long time about raising ducks. Honestly I couldn’t see the purpose. I didn’t think they would offer anything I couldn’t get from a chicken. But when I finally went ahead and got some, I can say I’m glad I did because I really appreciate and value their presence on the farm. I have Rouen ducks which are considered a dual-purpose breed (egg and meat). They look similar to mallards and the males are non-aggressive. The Rouens don’t require water for mating (some breeds do) so if you have just a small pond or pool like we do, it is sufficient for them. As meat or as eggs, they provide interesting variety at the table. In the farm yard, they are a source of entertainment. If you’ve ever seen a duck in water, you know what I mean. I house them with my chickens and they do not require anything special apart from a nesting box on the floor, as they don’t roost and can’t jump up to the chickens’ nesting boxes.
If you are also on the fence about getting ducks, you have to make your decision based on what is right for your family and your farm. They have been a wonderful addition to ours!
This post is part of Simple Lives Thursday blog hop hosted by GNOWFGLINS, Culinary Bliss and A Little Bit of Spain in Iowa.
And Fight Back Friday at Foodrenegade.
I didn’t think the rest would hatch because they had gotten egg yolk and white on them, but decided I’d wait and see.
so exciting!
It’s a chicken egg and yes, it was a double-yolker, and double delicious. 
Eggs are $2 a dozen. Come by call or by chance. Please bring empty egg cartons when you come.
Last week we had coyotes trying to get at my turkeys! We woke up at 3 am to the sound of their ‘yipping’ just outside our bedroom window. Luckily hubby chased them off and they haven’t been back since.
Pixie is very rambunctious! She goes from one trouble to the next. Climbing inside the dishwasher, hanging on the window screen, eating the dog food, chewing on cables… it’s like having a toddler in the house again! I’m thankful when she finally falls asleep.
The dogs have been leaving the property. Lucy took off the other evening and was gone for a few hours. I know if she is in ear-shot, she comes and she won’t ‘run away’ but still not acceptable. Before a thunderstorm, Buddy took off. He’s afraid of thunder. He was found a mile and a half away! Hence the leash. Too nice outside for them to be in but I don’t need them wandering off again.
My layers have access to a chicken yard. It is full of thistle and other tall growth. They’ve taken to laying their eggs in the tall grass. I didn’t find where they were laying until there was a clutch of about 6 or 8 eggs. Those ones got thrown out. It’s interesting trying to find that spot every morning.
The meat birds are ravenous every feeding. I guess that is the nature of the breed. But it makes it hard to fill the troughs when they are all diving in at once. We’re going through a lot of feed. They are just about ready to butcher. The black ones are layers. I’ll mix them with the others when they get a little bigger.
